The rapid and accurate detection of chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely used pesticide in agricultural products, is crucial for food safety assurance. While traditional methods like HPLC and GC-MS are accurate, they remain costly, slow, and lack portability. Herein, an ultrasensitive magnetic biosensing platform was developed for the ratiometric detection of CPF in tea by integrating surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with an aptamer-based recognition strategy. The platform employed a competitive displacement mechanism, where specific binding between aptamer and CPF triggered the release of signal probes upon magnetic separation. This process altered the Raman intensity ratio of two reporter molecules (4-MPY and 4-MBN). The ratiometric sensing approach, combined with magnetic separation, improved operational convenience and reduced matrix interference from complex samples. Furthermore, the platform exhibited a wide linear detection range (10-9 M to 10-4 M) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.4 × 10-6 mg/kg. It demonstrated high sensitivity, stability, reproducibility and specificity across six tea varieties, offering an effective solution for detecting pesticide residues in complex food matrices.

INTRODUCTION:The regulation of aroma quality during the postharvest processing of fresh tea leaves is a critical yet underexplored area. Green tea spreading, a key step that induces dehydration stress, significantly influences aroma formation but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to identify the optimal spreading degree for the fresh aroma quality of Lu'an Guapian (LAGP) green tea and to elucidate the key volatile compounds, biosynthetic genes, and regulatory transcription factors responsible for this process. METHODS:We utilized an integrated multi-omics approach, combining gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS), and odor activity value (OAV) analysis to profile aroma compounds. Transcriptomics was used to identify associated gene expression changes. Key findings were validated through subcellular localization, in vitro enzyme assays, transient overexpression in tea plants, promoter cloning, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays, luciferase (LUC) reporter assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and exogenous ethephon treatment. RESULTS:An optimal moisture range of 68%-71% was found to maximize the fresh aroma quality. (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol was identified as a critical contributor, and its biosynthetic gene, CsADH1, was strongly upregulated. In vitro assays confirmed CsADH1's cytoplasmic localization and its specific activity in converting (Z)-3-hexenal to (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol. Transient overexpression of CsADH1 in tea plants significantly increased (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol production. Furthermore, we discovered that the transcription factor CsERF105 directly binds to the CsADH1 promoter to activate its expression in response to dehydration stress and potential ethylene signal. CONCLUSION:Our results demonstrate that dehydration stress and potential ethylene signal during spreading triggers CsERF105-mediated activation of CsADH1, which in turn enhances the biosynthesis of the key fresh aroma compound (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol. This study successfully links a specific spreading processing condition to a molecular regulatory module, providing crucial insights and novel targets for improving aroma quality in tea processing.

Amino acids are the primary assimilated form of nitrogen (N) in plants, and their transport and distribution between source and sink organs determine the yield and quality of tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.). Amino acid permeases (AAPs) play critical roles in amino acid uptake, transport, and distribution, yet the specific functions of most CsAAPs remain largely unelucidated. Here, we aimed to identify the functional role of CsAAP3.1, in amino acid transport and N allocation dynamics. Based on bioinformatics analysis and the expression pattern profiling, we identified CsAAP3.1 as a candidate gene. Its expression patterns across tissues and N conditions were characterized and its function using heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in tea plants. CsAAP3.1 showed distinct transcript levels in leaves, veins, and roots. Under low nitrogen (LN, 0.25 mmol · L-1 N) conditions, its expression was repressed in roots but induced in shoots. Functional assays revealed that CsAAP3.1 is a broad-specificity amino acid transporter, capable of transporting theanine (Thea) and twelve other amino acids. Compared to wild-type (WT), CsAAP3.1 overexpressing Arabidopsis lines exhibited lower amino acid levels and enhanced N accumulation under low-N conditions, and higher amino acid levels with reduced N allocation in young leaves under normal nitrogen (NN, 5 mmol · L-1 N) conditions at maturity. Moreover, in tea plants, VIGS-mediated silencing of CsAAP3.1 reduced free amino acids and N in young leaves, with 15N tracing showing inhibited amino acid transport from mature to young leaves and downregulated key nitrogen assimilation genes in young leaves, indicating CsAAP3.1 mediated source-to-sink amino acid transport and regulates nitrogen accumulation in young leaves. Taken together, these findings suggest that CsAAP3.1 optimizes N allocation and partitioning to acclimate to low-N, which may have applications for tea quality improvement by upregulating amino acid level.

The sustainable development of monoculture tea (Camellia sinensis L) plantations is confronted with multifaceted challenges, such as overusing chemical fertilizer, unstable yields, and declining tea quality. These issues not only impede the long-term productivity of tea but also pose risks to environment. Given these concerns, exploring eco-friendly cultivation strategies is of paramount importance. This study established an innovative cultivation model by integrating intercropping with selenium (Se)-accumulating rapeseed green manure and foliar Se application, aiming to explore its effects and underlying mechanisms on tea plant growth, tea quality, rhizosphere soil environment, and Se biofortification. Physiological and biochemical indicators including chlorophyll, free amino acids, catechins, and selenium-containing speciation in tea leaves were determined, together with key enzyme activities involved in rhizosphere nutrient cycling. The results showed that the integrated system significantly promoted tea plant growth and improved tea quality by increasing chlorophyll and free amino acid contents while decreasing catechin concentrations. Se in tea leaves was predominantly present in bioavailable organic forms such as selenoamino acids, meeting the standard for selenium-enriched tea. Meanwhile, the integrated strategy significantly enhanced the activities of β‑glucosidase, leucine aminopeptidase, and N‑acetyl‑β‑glucosaminidase in rhizosphere soil, and alleviated soil acidification by increasing pH. These results demonstrate that the synergistic mode of green manure intercropping and selenium application effectively facilitates selenium uptake via amino acid transporters, improves rhizosphere nutrient cycling, and coordinates tea growth, quality, and soil health. This integrated approach provides an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy for the production of functional selenium-enriched tea.

Horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and tea plants, are vital for economic and nutritional sustainability, yet their cultivation is severely hampered by abiotic stresses such as heat, cold, and salinity. The advent of the grapevine genome in 2007 initiated the genomic era for horticultural species. This milestone facilitated the use of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to decode the complex phenotypic diversity of these crops. Unlike traditional methods, GWAS utilizes natural genetic diversity to identify quantitative trait loci linked to key traits, offering a high-resolution approach for dissecting traits such as stress resistance, quality, and yield. This review highlights the innovative workflows and technical advancements in GWAS applications for horticultural crops, covering aspects including population design, high-throughput phenotyping, sophisticated statistical modeling, and their applications in horticultural plants. Notably, the integration of multi-omics approaches has enhanced our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying critical horticultural traits. Future directions aim at harnessing technological innovations, cross-omics synthesis, and precision breeding strategies to optimize trait selection and expedite the development of resilient cultivars. Consequently, GWAS serves as a crucial bridge linking genomic variation to practical applications in horticultural improvement, enabling a paradigm shift toward predictive breeding and sustainable agricultural practices.

Rapid detection of pesticide residue using spectral technology is often hindered by the complex constituents of food matrices. Herein, a ratiometric SERS strategy is reported for detecting thiram in tea using an efficient core-shell magnetic-plasmonic substrate loaded with an internal standard (IS), Fe₃O₄@Au4−MBN@Ag. The substrate not only utilizes its magnetic properties to enable the efficient enrichment and separation of thiram from complex matrices, but also incorporates the IS method to mitigate the issue of magnetic field non-uniformity typically arising from the aggregation of magnetic nanomaterials. Critically, high-density hotspots were engineered by optimising the gold seed loading and Ag shell thickness to achieve outstanding SERS performance. The core-shell structure shielded the Raman signal of the IS from matrix interference, thereby ensuring accurate and reliable analysis. Under optimal conditions, the method exhibited a wide linear range from 500 ng/mL to 5 ng/mL and a low detection limit of 0.15 ng/mL, which is below the EU maximum residue limit of 10 ng/mL. This work provides a robust SERS signal correction approach with promising applications in agricultural product safety.

Camellia sinensis is an industrial crop characterized by specific secondary metabolites, which provide numerous benefits to human health. Previous researches reveal that the secondary metabolism of tea plants is significantly affected by various environmental factors, especially light intensity. However, the epigenetic mechanism underlying these high light-induced changes remains systematic research. In this study, physiological analysis suggested that increased photosynthetic product was rapidly converted into other organic compounds in adaptation to high light. The metabolite landscape by widely targeted metabolome revealed 219 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in high light, with substantial upregulated DAMs accumulated in 'amino acids and derivatives' and 'alkaloids'. The landscape of nine crucial histone modifications showed the distribution diversity in the genome and the complex relationship with gene expression. Integrated analysis of stomatal development, metabolome, epigenome, and transcriptome indicated that the dynamics of histone modifications (H3K4ac, H3K4me3, H3K9ac, H3K9me2, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3) on gene regions were closely related to the expression of regulatory genes in stomatal development and enzyme genes in secondary metabolic pathways, leading to stomatal density and metabolite changes in high light. Furthermore, H3K27ac and H3K27me3 were identified as key histone modifications, regulating critical genes under high light, including CsEPFL9, CsYODAb, CsF3 ' Hb, CsCHSc, CsANRa, CsDFRb-2, CsAlaDC, CsAAP1, CsGGT2, CsXMPP, Cs7-NMT, CsPORC, and CsPSY. These results suggest the pivotal role of histone modifications in the high light-induced stomatal density and secondary metabolite changes of tea plants.

Acetamiprid (AP) is commonly used in combination to control pests and diseases and increase crop yield. However, as a systemic pesticide, its residue does not easily degrade and is toxic to the human body. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a sensitive and rapid method for detecting AP. Here, a novel magnetic SERS aptasensor with dual signal was designed through capture probes (Fe3O4@Au@4-MBN@Ag-aptamer) and signal probes (Au@4MPY@Ag-cDNA) for the ratiometric detection of AP. The capture probes can hybridize signal probes with via complementary base pairing to form composite probes. Based on the magnetic separation of capture probes and aptamer-target recognition, the composite probes dissociate during AP detection, which would contribute to the release of a large amount of signal probes, resulting in regular changes in signal output of 4-MBN and 4-MPY. Analysis reveals that the SERS intensity ratio of 4-MBN to 4-MPY was inversely correlated with the concentration of AP, enabling the detection of AP. Under the optimal conditions, the developed aptasensor exhibited a good linear relationship in the range from 10-4 M-10-9 M between the SERS intensity ratio and the concentration of AP, and the limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 4.75 mu g/kg. Furthermore, the SERS aptasensor had good reproducibility, long-term stability, and superior specificity. Compared with conventional HPLC method, the proposed SERS aptasensor exhibited high detection accuracy and satisfactory recovery rate in real tea samples, serving as a detection model for other pesticides and showing promising applications in food safety.

There is a Chinese proverb that good tea comes from high mountains with clouds and mists, suggesting the important impact of environmental factors on the development and secondary metabolism in tea plants. However, the epigenetic mechanism involved is still unclear. High altitude results in light enhancement with a higher retention of short-wavelength light in cloudy conditions, suggesting the key role of short-wavelength light in the quality formation of tea plants. Thus, we focus on the representative short-wavelength light, blue and UV-A, and characterize plant responses in epigenome, transcriptome, leaf development, and metabolome. We profile six histone modifications under different light wavelengths and link these to leaf development and secondary metabolism, including changes in gene expression during flavonoid, theanine, caffeine, and β-carotene biosynthesis. There is higher stomatal density and thicker mesophyll tissues under blue light, with higher levels of chlorophyll components under UV-A light. The epigenome results in differential changes of stomatal density and quality components in different light conditions. We further identify crucial histone modifications in leaf development and secondary metabolism. Functional analyses suggest diverse regulations mediated by cryptochrome and phototropin in light adaptation, and we confirm the important role of CsSDG36-mediated histone H3K4 methylation. Our results not only reveal the landscape of histone modifications, transcripts, leaf development, and metabolites from different lights in tea plants, but also provide insight into the roles of photoreceptors and epigenetic mechanisms involved in leaf development and secondary metabolism.

In plants, the lysine and histidine transporter (LHT) family represent a class of proteins that mediate the uptake, translocation, and utilization of amino acids. The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is a perennial evergreen with a relatively high level of amino acids. However, systematic identification and molecular characterization of the LHT gene family has rarely been reported in tea plants. In this study, 22 CsLHTs were identified from the 'Shuchazao' genome and classified into two groups. The modeled three-dimensional structure and the conserved domains presented a high similarity among the LHTs proteins. Moreover, it was predicted that a few genes were conserved through the analysis of the physiochemical characters, structures and cis-elements in promoters. The expression patterns in tea plants revealed that CsLHT7 was mainly expressed in the roots, and CsLHT4 and CsLHT11 exhibited relatively high expression in both the roots and leaves. Moreover, the expression of all three genes could be induced by organic nitrogen. Additionally, heterogeneous expression of CsLHT4, CsLHT7 and CsLHT11 in Arabidopsis thaliana decreased the aerial parts biomass compared with that in WT plants while significantly increased the rosette biomass only for CsLHT11 transgenic plants versus WT plants. Overall, our results provide fundamental information about CsLHTs and potential genes in N utilization for further analysis in tea plants.

Salix, an economically and ecologically multifunctional tree species widely distributed in China, encompasses five ornamental species sequenced in this study, which are highly beneficial for plant phytoremediation due to their ability to absorb heavy metals. This research utilized high-throughput sequencing to acquire chloroplast genome sequences of Salix, analyzing their gene composition and structural characteristics, identifying potential molecular markers, and laying a foundation for Salix identification and resource classification. Chloroplast DNA was extracted from the leaves of Salix argyracea, Salix dasyclados, Salix eriocephala, Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’, and Salix suchowensis using an optimized CTAB method. Sequencing was conducted on the Illumina NovaSeq PE150 platform, and bioinformatics tools were employed to compare the structural features and variations within the chloroplast genomes of the Salix. Analysis revealed high similarity among the chloroplast genome sequences of the five Salix species, with a subsequent examination identifying 276, 269, 270, 273, and 273 SSR loci, respectively, along with unique simple repeat sequences in each variety. Comparison of chloroplast genomes across 22 Salix highlighted variations in regions such as matK-trnQ, ndhC-trnV, psbE-petL, rpl36-rps8, and ndhB-rps7, which may serve as valuable molecular markers for willow resource classification studies. In this study, chloroplast genome sequencing and structural analysis of Salix not only enhances the genetic resources of Salix but also forms a critical basis for the development of molecular markers and the exploration of interspecific phylogeny in the genus.

miR156 play important roles in regulation of plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis and other biological processes by targeting the SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) family. Our previous sequencing data analysis suggested that Csn-miR156d may regulate flowering and anthocyanin accumulation by cleavage and degradation of the expression of the SPL in tea plant, but it remains to be elucidated. In this study, 5 ' RLM-RACE experiment, tobacco transient transformation, qRT-PCR and antisense oligonucleotide (asODN) were used to verify that CsSPL1 is the target gene of Csn-miR156d. Stable transformation of Arabidopsis revealed that Csn-miR156d could delay flowering by negatively regulating the transcript levels of FT, AP1, FUL and SOC1, while overexpression of CsSPL1 showed an opposite effect. Additionally, overexpression of Csn-miR156d in Arabidopsis could enhance the transcription of the anthocyanin biosynthesis-related structural genes DFR, ANS, F3H, UGT78D2 and LDOX, as well as regulatory genes PAP1, MYB113, GL3, MYB11 and MYB12, leading to anthocyanin accumulation. Moreover, asODN experiment revealed that Csn-miR156d could increase the anthocyanin content in tea plant. These results suggest that Csn-miR156d regulates flowering and anthocyanin accumulation in tea plant by suppressing the expression of CsSPL1. Our study provides new insights into the development and anthocyanin accumulation in tea plant and lays a theoretical foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism of miRNAs in regulating tea plant growth and secondary metabolism.

Magnesium (Mg2+) is a crucial nutrient for the growth and development of Camellia sinensis and is closely related to the quality of tea. However, the underlying mechanisms responding to low-Mg 2+ stress in tea plants remain largely unknown. In this study, photosynthetic parameters, metabolomics, and transcriptomics were utilized to explore the potential effects of low Mg2+ on the growth and metabolism of C. sinensis. Low-Mg2+ treatment increased the ratio of shoot dry weight to root dry weight but decreased the photosynthesis of C. sinensis. Forty and thirty metabolites were impacted by Mg2+ shortage in C. sinensis shoots and roots, respectively. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed the possible reasons for the decreased contents of chlorophyll and catechins and the increased theanine content in C. sinensis roots. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis indicated that the Mg2+ transport system was essential in the regulation of Mg2+ homeostasis in C. sinensis, in which CsMGT5 was identified to be the key regulator according to CsMGT5-overexpressing and complementary assays in Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, silencing of CsMGT5 in vivo reduced the content of chlorophyll in C. sinensis shoots. In addition, CsMGT5 might collaborate with ammonium transporters to keep the amino acid content steady, suggesting its potential application for tea quality improvement. All these findings demonstrate the key roles of CsMGTs for Mg2+ homeostasis in C. sinensis, providing a theoretical basis for Mg2+ efficient utilization in plants.

MiR156 play important roles in regulation of plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis, and other biological processes by targeting the SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like (SPL) family. Our previous sequencing data analysis suggested that Csn-miR156d may regulate flowering and anthocyanin accumulation by cleavage and degradation of the expression of the SPL in tea plant, but it remains to be elucidated. In this study, 5'RLM-RACE experiment, tobacco transient transformation, qRT-PCR, and antisense oligonucleotide (asODN) were used to verify that CsSPL1 is the target gene of Csn-miR156d. Stable transformation of Arabidopsis revealed that Csn-miR156d could delay flowering by negatively regulating the transcript levels of FT, AP1, FUL, and SOC1, while overexpression of CsSPL1 showed an opposite effect. Additionally, overexpression of Csn-miR156d in Arabidopsis could enhance the transcription of the anthocyanin biosynthesis-related structural genes DFR, ANS, F3H, UGT78D2, and LDOX, as well as regulatory genes PAP1, MYB113, GL3, MYB11, and MYB12, leading to anthocyanin accumulation. Moreover, asODN experiment revealed that Csn-miR156d could increase the anthocyanin content in tea plant. These results suggest that Csn-miR156d regulates flowering and anthocyanin accumulation in tea plant by suppressing the expression of CsSPL1. Our study provides new insights into the development and anthocyanin accumulation in tea plant and lays a theoretical foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism of miRNAs in regulating tea plant growth and secondary metabolism.

The UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (UGE) enzyme plays a critical role in plant growth and responses to abiotic stressors, such as heavy metal exposure. However, UGE-mediated remodeling of cell wall polysaccharides in response to these stressors remains poorly understood in willow. This study investigated the structure, function, and expression patterns of the UGE gene family in willow, focusing on cadmium treatment to elucidate how SpUGE1 enhances Cd resistance. Six SpUGE genes were identified through whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, and they were mapped across five chromosomes. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that, with the exception of SpUGE3, all genes showed their highest relative expression in the leaves. Under Cd treatment, members of the SpUGE gene family displayed varying levels of responsiveness, with SpUGE1 showing a marked increase in expression over time. In transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing SpUGE1, the cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin content significantly increased, with cellulose levels rising by >50 % and pectin by approximately 30 %. This overexpression conferred enhanced Cd resistance by increasing cell wall thickness through elevated cell wall polysaccharides, which reduced Cd uptake. Consequently, Cd content in the cell wall, chloroplasts, and mitochondria was significantly lower than that in wild-type plants, reducing cellular damage and improving Cd resistance. Overall, this study provides valuable theoretical and experimental insights into the role of the SpUGE1 gene family in willow.

An ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) aptamer sensor (aptasensor) using a noble metal nanoparticle-magnetic nanospheres composite was developed for L-theanine detection. It makes use of Fe3O4@Au MNPs and Au@Ag NPs embedded with the Raman reporter 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4MBA). Au@4MBA@Ag NPs modified by aptamer and Fe3O4@Au MNPs modified by cDNA created the aptasensor with the strongest Raman signal of 4MBA through the specific binding of the aptamer. With the preferred binding of L-theanine aptamer to L-theanine, Au@4MBA@Ag NPs were released from Fe3O4@Au MNPs, causing a linear decrease in SERS intensity to achieve the SERS detection of the L-theanine. The SERS peak of 4MBA at 1078 cm−1 was used for quantitative determination. SERS intensity showed a good log-linear relationship within the range 10−10 to 10−6 M of L-theanine. The aptasensor has a high selectivity for L-theanine compared with other twelve tested analytes. Hence, this aptasensor is a promising analytical tool for L-theanine detection. The developed method was applied to the analysis of real samples, demonstrating excellent performance. The comparison with the standard liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method showed an error within 20

Nitrogen (N) is a critical element to improve tea production and quality. However, the role of miRNA in nitrogen nutrition of tea plants is still unclear. Glutamine, produced from assimilated nitrogen, plays a central role in the nitrogen cycle. In this study, 5'RNA ligase-mediated rapid-amplification of cDNA ends (5'RLM-RACE) and transient tobacco transformation experiments confirmed glutamine synthetase (CsGS2) was cleaved by CsmiR396d. Gene silencing and over-expression experiments of tea plant leaves show when CsmiR396d was over-expressed, the expression level of CsGS2 and the content of glutamine were decreased; when miR396d was silenced, the expression level of CsGS2 and the content of glutamine were increased. The results of the over-expression experiment in Arabidopsis were consistent with those in tea leaves. These results revealed the regulatory role of CsmiR396d in nitrogen nutrition of tea plant, which will provide further information and theoretical basis for tea plant utilization and quality improvement.

Theanine (Thea) is a unique metabolite in tea plants, but its physiological functions remain elusive. A low soil pH increases cadmium (Cd) availability, affecting the quality of tea plant products. In this study, we found that Thea reversed the Cd-induced reduction in free amino acid (FAA) and caffeine (CAF) in the young tea leaves, as well as the down-regulation in the expression of nitrate transporters CsNRT1.2 and CsNRT2.5, and genes responsible for the nitrogen (N) assimilation. We demonstrated that Thea could alleviate Cd-induced oxidative stresses and enhance photosynthesis. Moreover, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, CsABCG11.2, could uptake distinct Cd substrates and the five major amino acids in tea plants. Heterologous expression of CsABCG11.2 in yeast indicated a competitive absorption between Cd and Thea in a concentration-dependent pattern. CsABCG11.2-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited increased sensitivity to Cd due to enhanced Cd concentration, accumulation in the shoots, and reduction in the primary root length. Exogenous application of Thea at environmentally regular levels attenuated the adverse effects of Cd-induced growth inhibition and chlorosis in CsABCG11.2-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants. Knockdown of CsABCG11.2 tea plants significantly lowered Cd levels in young shoots. Our results suggest that Thea plays beneficial roles in alleviating Cd stress directly or indirectly by modulating CsABCG11.2-mediated Cd uptake and translocation within plants.

Foliar application of essential nutrients is a rapid and promising strategy to enhance the concentration and bioavailability of essential nutrients in tea plants (Camellia sinensis). A field experiment was carried out to explore the effects of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and the hyperaccumulator manganese (Mn) foliar application on the biochemical components of free amino acid (FAA), caffeine (CAF), and tea polyphenols (TP) in the black tea made from the tea plant cultivar 'HuangDan'. The foliar application of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn showed significant effects on FAA and TP contents of black tea (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on the CAF content. Iron and zinc spraying significantly increased thearubigin and theabrownin content, whereas copper spraying significantly decreased thearubigin content while increasing theabrownin content. Additionally, the gene expression patterns of the POD family members CsSPX1, CsAPX1, CsGPX1, CsGPX3, CsPOD13, and CsPOD18 were identified to investigate the roles of these phenolic constituents influenced by the foliar application. The expression patterns of CsGPX3 and CsAPX1 were found to be involved in the production of TFs. POD-catalyzed TFs formation might serve as a molecular marker to identify varieties of tea plants suitable for brewing high-quality black tea beverages by regulating catechin oxidation throughout the tea processing process.

茶园养分管理对茶叶品质与产量意义重大.为了探究开沟施肥对茶叶品质与产量的影响,以湖北恩施宣恩县常年撒施的当地群体种茶园为试验对象,设置不同施肥深度分别为表面撒施(BF)、中度开沟15～20 cm施肥(GF1)、深度开沟30～40 cm施肥(GF2)及三种不同氮磷钾养分配比肥料(T1、T2、T3)进行比较试验,对不同处理的样品分别进行品质成分检测、感官审评及年产量统计.结果表明:开沟施肥有利于提升茶叶品质与产量,氮水平较高的肥料对茶叶品质与产量有显著提升作用.